Surface Containment System

ABSTRACT

A surface containment system to contain liquid contaminates escaping from a vessel, the containment system having in one example: a water and oil impermeable barrier liner positioned below the vessel; a perimeter wall surrounding the vessel, the perimeter wall extending vertically from the ground surface and supporting a portion of the barrier liner so as to form a containment reservoir; at least one fluid conduit through the barrier liner, the fluid conduit having a filter configured to retain contaminates and configured to allow water to pass by way of gravity from the reservoir through the impermeable barrier; the perimeter wall formed of a plurality of wall panels connected by way of struts each having a vertical component, a base component anchored to ground.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of and claims priority of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/474,783 filed on Sep. 14, 2021, which claimspriority benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/789,267 filed onFeb. 12, 2020, which claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/805,201 filed on Feb. 13, 2019, eachincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE Field of the Disclosure

This disclosure relates to the field of reservoirs formed belowequipment to capture and retain liquids discharged from the equipment toprotect the equipment and protect the surrounding environment fromcontamination. The disclosed apparatus and methods applicable topermanent or transient installations, as well as retrofit equipmentsupport structures including cracked or otherwise inoperable reservoirs.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Disclosed herein are several examples of a surface containment systemconfigured to contain liquid contaminates escaping from a vessel. Thecontainment system comprising in one example: a water and/or oilimpermeable barrier liner below the vessel; a perimeter wall surroundingthe barrier liner; the perimeter wall extending vertically from thebarrier liner and supporting a portion of the barrier liner so as toform a containment reservoir encircling the vessel; at least one fluidconduit through the barrier liner, the fluid conduit comprising acapsule filter or filter wall to allow water to pass by way of gravityfrom the reservoir through the impermeable barrier; the perimeter wallcomprising a plurality of wall panels connected by way of struts; thestruts comprising a vertical component connected to the ends of aplurality of wall panels, and a base component anchored to ground; eachbase component of each strut comprising a ground-engaging cornerconfigured to penetrate the ground and maintain position of the strut;each base component of each strut comprising at least one surfacedefining a void therethrough, configured to allow passage of the shaftof a ground-engaging anchor and not allow passage of a head of theground engaging anchor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an environmental view of an electric substation in placeupon/within one example of the disclosed surface containment system.

FIG. 2 is another example of the disclosed surface containment system.

FIG. 3 is another example of the disclosed surface containment.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a corner region of the disclosed surfacecontainment system.

FIG. 5 is a connector-strut component of the example shown in FIG. 3 .

FIG. 6 is the tee-strut component of FIG. 5 from another angle.

FIG. 7 is a corner-strut component of the example shown in FIG. 4 .

FIG. 8 is another corner strut component of the example shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 9 is a bottom flashing component of the example shown in FIG. 3 .

FIG. 10 is a top flashing component of the example shown in FIG. 3 .

FIG. 11 is a transition flashing component of the example shown in FIG.3 .

FIG. 12 is a corner flashing component of the example shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 13 is a tee-flashing component of the example shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 14 is a ground anchor component of the apparatus disclosed in FIG.1 .

FIG. 15 is a highly schematic cutaway view of one example of a wallpanel component shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 16 is an isometric enlarged view of a prefilter region of theexample shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 17 is a top isometric view of the example shown in FIG. 16 .

FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of the example shown in FIG. 16 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates to a system utilizing apparatus and methods ofprotecting the environment from oil spills. The system particularlyuseful in electric power distribution and generating facilities, miningoperations, remediation (reversing or stopping environmental damage), aswell as the separation of oil from water in one example usinghydrocarbon solidifying polymer blend filter materials.

It is known that when using equipment such as electric powerdistribution substations, electric power generating stations, mechanicalapparatus storage, parking locations for vehicles, tank farms, it iscommon to control discharge of fluids to the surrounding environment.For ease in description in this disclosure, the term “equipment” will beused to encompass all of these and equivalents. In some applications,such equipment is located near streams or other bodies of water, or inareas where ground contamination would be hazardous to the environment,wildlife, people, other equipment, etc. Such equipment can also belocated near underground water reservoirs, exacerbating the problemsassociated with a spill.

Electrical devices in equipment such as substations (transformers,circuit breakers, regulators, etc.) may contain oils particularlyharmful when a leak develops. Many of these oils also contain otherhazardous chemicals which pose an additional health, environmental, orequipment hazard. Such equipment is often subject to conditions underwhich the oil contained in vessels therein may leak into the environmentthrough cracks, or other damage or corrosion. Overheating, age,projectiles, corrosion, lightning strikes, etc. can damage and causeholes in the oil containing vessel, thus spilling oil into theenvironment.

To control the spread of leaking fluids to the environment, containmentbasins are often provided vertically below the equipment to contain suchspills, such as drip or catch pans. Such basins can fill with rainwater,allowing spilled oil to float on the water and spill beyond the basin tothe environment surrounding the equipment. A spill occurring with waterin the basin, or a heavy rainfall combined with a spill would result inoil overflowing the walls of the containment basin. A drain valve may beprovided, by which the basin can be emptied of water.

Prior known methods of dealing with these problems involve sensors suchas capacitance sensors to detect an oil/water interface and therebydrain water or water and oil by opening a valve in the basin. The wateror water and oil is then pumped or drained by gravity into a secondlocation. One such system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,305,779 toIzaguirre, Apr. 26, 1994, another in U.S. Pat. No. 5,484,5622 toEntrekin, May 16, 1994.

Known prior art methods use pipes, valves and pumps to transfer waterand spilled oil from several sources into a holding sump and then asecond collection sump. Pumps are mechanical devices which are subjectto wear, failure, and freezing. If a pump fails when needed, the systemcan allow oil to flow into the surrounding environment when the volumeof the containing reservoir is filled. In addition, valves commonly havesmall orifices and tortuous paths within them which are subject toclogging with debris, also potentially causing malfunction of thedrainage system and flow of oil to the environment.

Known prior art systems commonly use sensors for detecting oil/waterinterface and controlling water/oil discharge or retain oil within thereservoir or a separate tank or reservoir. Many systems also requirepower or other flow structures to operate sensors and pumps. This poweris most commonly electrical power which may not be available when theequipment fails for example when a substation fails, resulting in theoil discharge from the equipment to the surrounding environment.

Other prior know methods of containing spill involved digging a recessedarea below the equipment and installing a rigid (e.g. concrete) catchbasin. Often, the location where such equipment lies may have belowground obstructions such as power cables, as well has contaminatedground, neither of which is safe for digging in. Also, concrete isporous, and thus absorbs some of the spilled fluids, making a completeclean-up difficult if not impossible.

Thus, the surface containment system 20 disclosed herein disclosedherein may rest upon an un-excavated ground surface 26 or in a slight orlarger excavation. The apparatus may cooperate with a filtering systemto filter fluids such that environmentally harmless fluids (e.g. water)flow off and out of the surface containment system 20, whileenvironmentally harmful fluids (hydrocarbons, etc.) are retained by thefiltering system and removed for proper disposal.

Looking to FIG. 1 is shown one example of the disclosed surfacecontainment system 20. In this example, the equipment 22 is positionedabove a barrier liner 24. The barrier liner 24 may be impermeable tomost liquids such as oil, hydrocarbons, and other liquids desired to beretained by the surface containment system 20. The surface containmentsystem 20 also comprises structures configured to allow other liquids(e.g. water) to pass to the environment or a separate retainingstructure. In one example, the barrier liner 24 is impermeable to mostliquids, or alternatively selectively permeable at ambient temperaturesbetween −40° C. and 180° C., within a normal environmental temperature.In one example, the barrier liner 24 is comprised of a polymer or multipolymer material providing sufficient strength to hold up to use,flexibility to conform to the underlying ground surface 26, and chemicalresistance to corrosives, while providing an impermeable barrier orselectively permeable barrier while providing chemical resistance tocorrosives. In one example, the barrier liner 24 is formed of polyvinyl.While the barrier liner 24 may be made of varying materials andthicknesses, one example of the barrier liner 24 in one range is between6 mils (0.006″) to 250 mils (0.250″) thick. In a narrower range, thebarrier liner is between 20 and 50 mils thick. The thickness selected toallow conformity to the ground surface 26 upon which the barrier liner24 is positioned, optionally support the equipment 22 and any otheritems which threaten to damage the barrier liner 24, and stand up toenvironmental deterioration and damage as the barrier liner 24 may beused outdoors and thus subjected to the elements including sun, rain,snow, sleet, heat, cold, etc. as well as personnel walking on thebarrier liner 24, possibly equipment standing on or moving on theequipment, animals such as rabbits and moles for example, etc.

In one example shown in FIG. 4 , the reservoir 34, discharge housing 42b, and discharge grate 47 b are positioned above the ground surface 26.The filter 44 may be positioned within the discharge housing 42 b tocollect and retain hydrocarbons or other hazardous fluids flowing fromthe reservoir 34. In the example of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the reservoir 34is above ground, with a connecting pipe 40 and discharge housing 42 abelow ground, with the outlet (discharge) grate 47 a substantially atground level. Three filter systems are envisioned, each may beincorporated with these systems.

Capsule filter. These types of filters are well known in potable waterfiltration systems where a removable in-line filter is provided, forexample in the connecting pipe 40 or in the downstream end of theconnecting pipe 40 where it is connected to the discharge housing 42 a.Such cartridge filters generally include a rigid cartridge housing,removable fluid connector(s), and an oleophilic or hydrocarbonsolidifying filter material within the housing keeps hydrocarbons frompassing through the cartridge, while allowing water to pass through. Onesuch material is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,374,600A.

Barrier filter (filter wall). One such barrier wall filter for exampleis shown in FIG. 16 .

Sorbent or hydrocarbon solidifying filter. One such filter is disclosedin US patent U.S. Pat. No. 5,407,575A. Filters of these sort may be usedby placing the filter in the filter housing and as the precipitation andcontaminates contact the filter, they are collected or solidified andthus do not pass through the exit grate to the environment.

In one example, the filter comprises a multi-blend polymer hydrocarbonsolidifying filter.

By providing the barrier liner 24 as a thin film, it may be rolled,folded, or a combination thereof for storage and/or transport. When usedin combination with a modular perimeter wall 30, the overall surfacecontainment system 20 may be easily transported to a needed site, set upwith little or no ground preparation, and then removed with little or noresidual impact on the environment. Below ground, concrete, and otherpermanent structures are more involved to install, and result insignificant impact to the environment.

FIG. 1 shows the equipment 22 positioned above the barrier liner 24. Theequipment 22 of this example comprises one or more tanks 28 housinghydrocarbons such as oil or other liquid chemicals. Thus, any rupture ofthe tank(s) 28 or leakage of these liquids from the tank 28 will flowlikely onto the barrier liner 24 and be retained by the barrier liner24.

When a substantial volume of liquid spills from the tank 28, or when thespilled liquid combines with a volume of other fluid, such as water(precipitation, snow, rain, hail, frost) the volume of liquid retainedby the barrier liner 24 may be increased by additional structures. Forexample, it may be desired that the barrier liner 24 is sealed to or isextended vertically upwards by a vertically extending perimeter wall 30.In the example shown, it can be seen that the barrier liner 24 issubstantially at the ground surface 26 of the surrounding environment,with the perimeter wall 30 extending vertically upwards therefrom. Thebarrier liner 24 in one example is sealed to the perimeter wall 30.Alternatively, the barrier liner 24 has a perimeter portion 32 supportedin a vertical plane above the ground 26. The barrier liner 24 andperimeter wall 30 thus forming a reservoir 34 with an increased volumeover a substantially planar barrier liner 24. For these reasons, it willgenerally be desired that the volume of the reservoir 34 is greater thanthe (combined) volume of the tank(s) 28 of the equipment 22. In thiscalculation, precipitation may also be considered along with thefrequency at which the equipment is checked for leakage or sensors maybe used to ascertain the volume of fluid in the barrier 24 and/or fluidstatus within the tanks 28. Thus, a catastrophic spill of all liquidwithin the tank(s) 28 and precipitation may be retained in the reservoir34. In one example, to allow water to flow out of the reservoir 34 whileretaining hydrocarbons, oil, or other chemicals, an outflow (filter)system 36 may be provided. In the example of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , aninlet 38 a is provided through the barrier liner 24 in a low positionwhere fluid within the reservoir 34 will flow via gravity to the inlet38 a and from there flow into a connecting pipe 40 to a dischargehousing 42 a. In one example the pipe 40 is below ground level 26 andthe discharge housing 42 a is open at or slightly above ground level toallow for outflow of fluid therefrom but below the upper edge 43 of theperimeter wall 30 at a lowest position so that liquid will not flow overthe perimeter wall 30. A perforated or mesh grate may cover thedischarge housing 42 a as desired. Within the discharge housing 42 a ofone example is a filter 44 a to allow passage of water and retainselected contaminates, (e.g. hydrocarbons). In one example, a valve 46 ais positioned between the inlet 38 a and the filter 44 a to close thefluid conduit therebetween and allow for easy and clean removal andreplacement of the filter 44 a while retaining liquids in the reservoir34.

In the example shown in FIG. 3 , and in FIG. 4 a similar construction isshown where an inlet 38 b is provided through the barrier liner 24 in aposition through the perimeter wall 30 where fluid within the reservoir34 will flow via gravity to the inlet 38 to a discharge housing 42 b. Aperforated or mesh grate may cover the discharge housing 42 b. Withinthe discharge housing 42 b is a filter 44 a to allow passage of waterand retain selected contaminates, (e.g. hydrocarbons). In one example, avalve 46 b is positioned between the inlet 38 b and the filter 44 aallow for easy and clean removal and replacement of the filter 44 a.

To form the perimeter wall 30, a plurality of wall panels 48 (e.g. 48 a,48 b, 48 c . . . ) are provided, connected via struts, connectors, orother methods and apparatus as will be described in more detail.

In one example, corners of the perimeter wall 30 comprise corner struts50. These corner struts 50 as shown connect adjacent wall panels 48 andmaintain the wall panels 48 in a vertical orientation. When asubstantial amount of fluid is held within the reservoir 34, thehorizontally outward pressure of a liquid filled barrier liner can besubstantial, tending to force the wall panels 48 horizontally outward.This pressure may bias the tops of the wall panels 48 horizontallyoutward, potentially resulting in spillage of the liquid within thereservoir 34. In one example, the outside corner struts 50 as shown inFIG. 7 have a vertical component 52. The vertical component 52 of thisexample has u-shaped surfaces 54, 56 which in this example are shown atright angles to each other. The surfaces 54 and 56 configured to attachto separate wall panels 48 substantially at a right angle. The surfaces54 and 56 of this example are U-shaped in cross section when viewed fromabove so as to contact front, end, and rear surfaces of each wall panel48 and to add rigidity to the perimeter wall 30. In one example, thesurfaces 54 and 56 are adhered, welded, brazed, or otherwise attached tothe wall panels 48. In one example, the wall panels 48 and corner strutare bolted together. In one example, surfaces defining voids 58 areprovided in the corner strut 50, wherein a mechanical fastener 59 suchas a pin, bolt, screw, or rivet may pass through the voids 58 and thewall panel 48 to quickly and easily attach the wall panels 48 to thecorner struts 50. In one example, the fasteners 59 are removable,allowing for easy deconstruction, removal, transportation, and storageof the surface containment system 20.

The outside corner struts 50 as shown in FIG. 7 , and the inside cornerstruts 150 shown in FIG. 8 each comprise a base 60/152 attached to alower end of the vertical component 52/154. The base 60/152 may besubstantially planar, extending horizontally outward from the verticalcomponent 52/154 so as to form a large surface area upon which thevertical component, attached wall panels, and attached barrier liner aresupported and at the same time, the large base 60/152 provides stabilityfrom the vertical component 52/154, wall panels 48, barrier liner 24,and other weight from singing into the ground surface 26 due to weightpressure. The base 60/152 thus keeping the surface containment system 20from settling into the ground or repositioning on the groundhorizontally. The base 60/122/144/152 may be covered with dense materialsuch as gravel, sand, rock, or combinations and equivalents thereof toadd substantial weight to the horizontal footing (base 60/122/144/152)of the struts 50. This arrangement adds additional stability to theperimeter wall 30. The inside corner struts may be positioned as shownin FIG. 4 . In such an arrangement as this, the pressure of fill andfluid within the perimeter wall 30 will be transferred outward to theattached wall sections. Thus, in such arrangements a brace (e.g. cornerbrace 63) shown in use with other struts may not be necessary.

In one example the inside corner struts 150 include wall panel receivingchannels 156 a/156 b including voids 58/158 for passage of fasteners 59as previously described. The base 152 of this example havingground-engaging corners 160. These corners are explained in more detail.and the base 152 of this example also has a large surface area withinthe circumference of the perimeter wall 30 when assembled.

In one example, the corner struts 50 also comprise braces 63 extendingfrom the vertical component 52 to the base 60 and secured to each bywelding, fasteners, adhering, etc. to add rigidity to the apparatus. Inone example, each brace 63 extends in a direction directly opposing theopening of the u-shaped surface. Thus, the brace extends parallel to thewall panel 48 attached to the u-shaped surface. In another example, thebrace 63 extends at an angle of between 20° and 70° from the verticalcomponent 52 to the base 60. In one example, the brace extends at anangle of 45° from the vertical component 52 to the base 60.

As previously mentioned, some examples of the horizontal corners 64 ofthe base 60 comprise a ground penetrating corner 66 (66 a-66 d) whichextends into the ground surface 26 and holds the corner strut 50 inplace from sliding on the ground surface 26.

In some applications, it is desired to more securely maintain theposition of the base 60 relative to ground 26, ground anchors 68 forexample are passed through the surfaces defining voids 70 in the base 60into the ground surface 24. These ground anchors 68 securely hold thebase 60 in position on the ground surface 24 while in place.

In the example shown in FIG. 14 , the ground anchors 68 comprise a shaft72 having a diameter 74 smaller than the diameter of the voids 66 so asto allow passage of the ground anchor 68 through the voids 70. Althoughthe diameter 74 may be tapered or otherwise non-cylindrical. The groundanchors 68 in one example are between 10″ and 18″ long for secureattachment to the ground surface 24, with a narrower range of between13″ and 15″ preferred to maximize a secure attachment withoutpenetrating to the depth of any pipes, cables, or conduits, generallyburied more than 14″, generally more then 18″ below the ground surface24.

While such ground anchors 68 may be spikes, rods, helical coils concreteblocks, etc., in the example shown in FIG. 14 , the ground anchor 68also comprises threads 76 having a thread diameter 78 larger than theshaft diameter 74 so as to radially protrude from the shaft 72. Thethreads 76 may be helical in nature, such that rotation of the head 78relative to the ground surface 24 linearly repositions the ground anchor68 in direction 79 depending on the direction of rotation and theorientation of the helical threads. In one example rotation of theground anchor 68 is accomplished by way of a tool such as a screwdriver,nut driver, drill, wrench, etc. having a surface configured to engage atool engagement surface 80.

Generally, it will be desired that the head 78 of the ground anchor 68has a larger diameter than the void 66 though which the shaft 72 passes.Thus, the shaft 72 will pass through the void 66, but the head 78 willnot, thus holding the base 60 securely in position.

Looking to FIG. 15 is shown an end view of one example of a wall panel48. In this example, the wall panel 48 comprises a core 82 with a firstouter layer 84 and a second outer layer 86 on opposing exterior sidesthereof. In one example, each assembled wall panel is 3″ thick, (+/−1″)including the first and second outer layers 84/86. In one example eachassembled wall panel 48 is between 8″ and 36″ in height, with a lengthsubstantially more than that, often cut to length to fit the spacerequirements of the individual installation. In one example each wallpanel has a height of between 11″ and 13″ in height. In one example, thecore 82 comprises a structural foam panel such as polyurethane,polystyrene. The foam may be constructed with high fire-resistantproperties. As the hydrocarbons within the tank(s) 28 may be flammable,having a fire-resistant perimeter wall 30 is greatly desired in manyapplications. In one example the first outer layer 84 and second outerlayer 86 are each formed of sheet metal or other rigid materialsdesigned to withstand the environmental conditions the perimeter wallwill encounter including weather, impacts from users and vehicles, etc.In one application, testing has shown that a surface containment system20 formed where the first outer layer 84 and second outer layer 86 areeach formed of approximately 26-gauge sheet metal can withstand normaluse and occasional impact normally found in such installations. In oneexample the outer layers 84 and 86 are formed Aluminum-Zinc alloy coatedsheet metal, to provide corrosion and heat resistance to the sheet metalpanels. These outer layers 84/86 and the core 82 in one example arebolted, screwed, adhered, or otherwise fastened to the struts (e.g.corner strut 50). In one example, the wall panels 48 are capped on theirtop edge and bottom edge with a flashing as described below. In oneexample the flashing is also comprised of sheet metal, such as the samematerial as the outer layers 84/86. In one example the thickness of theflashing material is also formed substantially of 24-gauge material tobalance structure, weight, durability, and cost while providing a secureperimeter wall which is expected to last for years with minimalmaintenance. In one example the flashing material is coated with a thinpolyurethane layer (which may also have fire resistant properties).

In one installation, where the equipment 22 is to be placed on pilings,or concrete pad, the barrier liner 24 of one example is installed insideof and sealed around the piling, ground, or concrete pad and isinstalled on the perimeter walls 30 to form the reservoir 34 prior toplacement of the equipment 22. In another example, such as when pilings87 are in place or it is otherwise not possible to position the barrierliner 24 prior to installation of the pilings 87 or equipment 22, holesmay be made in the barrier liner 24 there through which the pilings 87extend. The barrier liner 24 may then be sealed to the exterior of thepilings 87 maintaining the fluid seal such that fluids cannot leakthrough or past the barrier liner 24 to the environment.

In this and other installations, the perimeter wall 30 may horizontallyencircle the equipment 22 to ensure containment of any leaking fluids,but at a vertical position below or substantially below the equipment22. In other terms, the perimeter wall 30 has a vertically upper edge(upper flashing) which may be lower than the upper edge of theequipment, less than or equal to the upper lower edge of the equipment,less than ½ the height of the equipment, etc.

In one example, the upper flashing 88 may be colored to contract withthe other components, (e.g. International Safety Orange, or reflectivelight materials). By so coloring the upper flashing 88, damage andinjury are lessened in that damaging contact with equipment, personnel,and vehicles is reduced.

One example of an upper flashing 88 is shown in FIG. 10 . This examplehaving a u-shaped inner surface 90 configured to be in contact with theother components of the wall panel 48. In the example shown in FIG. 15 ,this surface 90 is in contact with the 1^(st) outer layer 84, core 82,and 2^(nd) outer layer 86. The upper flashing 88 as so arranged formingan upper edge or surface of the wall panel 48. In one example the upperflashing 88 is comprised of sheet metal. In one example the thickness ofthe upper flashing material is substantially 24-gauge. In one examplethe upper flashing material is also polyurethane coated (the coating mayalso have fire resistant properties).

One example of a bottom flashing 92 is shown in FIG. 9 . This examplehaving a u-shaped inner surface 94. This inner surface 94 may beconfigured to be in contact with and sealed to the 1^(st) outer layer84, core 82, and 2^(nd) outer layer 86. This assembly thus forming alower edge of the wall panel 48. In one example the lower flashing 92 iscomprised of sheet metal similar to the other components. In one examplethe thickness of the lower flashing material is substantially 24-gauge.This lower flashing material may also be polyurethane coated (thecoating composition may also have fire resistant properties).

In some applications, the material available for the wall panel 48including upper flashing 88 and/or lower flashing 92 may be provided inlengths shorter than the final length of a perimeter wall section. Insuch cases, a connector strut 132 may be used. The connector strut asshown in FIG. 5 having horizontally opposed u-shaped channels 136 a, 136b formed by the surfaces of a vertical component 138. The verticalcomponent 138 having surfaces defining voids 140 through which passfasteners 59 as previously described for attachment of the connectorstrut 132 to horizontally opposed wall panels 48. The connector struts132 in some applications also utilizing a brace 142. The brace 142attached on the exterior surface of the vertical component 138. Thebrace 142 extending to a base 144 to increase stability of the surfacecontainment system 20, such as in a partially filled condition. The base144 in one example having a large surface area under barrier liner 24.The ground anchors 68 previously described, or sand, gravel orequivalent weight may be placed on the base 144 to secure the connectorstrut 132 in place on the ground surface 26. The base 144 of thisexample having ground engaging corners 146 as previously described, aswell as voids 148 though which may pass ground anchors 68.

It may be desired to provide a seal between an upper flashing 88 orlower flashing 92 and a corner flashing 98, tee flashing 100, or otherstructure. Thus, a transition (joiner) flashing 102 having in oneexample a u-shaped inner surface 104 large enough to fit over the upperflashing 88 or lower flashing 92 may be desired to span adjacentcomponents. In one example, where the transition flashing 102 also spansacross a corner flashing 98, tee flashing 100, or other structure, theinner width of the transition flashing 102 should overlap all of thesestructures.

In one example a joiner flashing 102 is used every length of wall panel48 to ensure a smooth transition between sections and keep rain out ofthe wall panels 48. In one example the joiner flashing is ⅛ of an inchwider than the upper flashing 88 or lower flashing 92 and a cornerflashing 98, tee flashing 100, or other structure to allow spacing foran adhesive or sealant and to ensure a snug sealable connection. In oneexample, wall sections are provided in 8′ lengths for ease indistribution and storage.

Looking to FIG. 4 , and FIG. 6 is shown one example of a tee-strut 106.The tee-strut 106 is similar to the corner strut 50 but configured withthree u-shaped wall panel receiving surfaces 108, 110, 112 in oneexample are welded together. These surfaces 108, 110, 112 receive wallpanels 48. To complete the assembly, surfaces defining voids 114 therethough are provided for passage of fasteners 59 to secure the tee-strut106 to wall panels 48 and/or grate panels 116 b as shown in FIG. 4 wheretwo panels are parallel and aligned, and the third panel (48 e in thisexample) is perpendicular thereto. In this example the tee-strut 106,like the corner strut 50, also comprises a vertical component 120 havingthe surfaces 108-112 with a void 114 there through. The verticalcomponent 120 of this example is attached to a base 122 which rests uponthe ground 26 surface and supports the attached wall sections 48 andother attached components.

The tee-strut 106 of this example also having ground penetrating corners124 on at least one exterior corner configured to secure the tee strut106 in place. Ground anchors 68 can be installed through voids 126 aspreviously discussed.

The tee-strut 106 of this example also comprising a brace 128 equivalentin form and structure to the brace 63 previously described.

In the example shown in FIG. 4 , showing a corner region of the surfacecontainment system 20, a plurality of tee-struts 106, a plurality ofgrate panels 116, a plurality of wall panels 48, a plurality of outsidecorner struts 50, a plurality of inside corner struts 150 are assembledwith fasteners 118 to form a discharge housing 42 b as previouslydescribed.

When the barrier liner 24 cannot be formed of a single monolithicstructure (seamless), any seams of the barrier liner 24 can be sealedwith a heat gun, polyvinyl welder, specialize glues, or combination sthereof. Both methods may require a minimum of a 2″ overlap and thevinyl should be dry and clean, free from dust and dirt. Aerosol cleanermay be used on the panel edges prior to connection for proper seampreparation. Installers should clean and dry both edges of the vinyl tobe joined. Trimming excess vinyl at the seams will make seaming easierand pre-marking the seam overlap with a line will keep the seamstraight, uniform, and avoids wrinkles.

In one example, sealant may also be used between components such asbetween the wall panels 48 and flashing 88/92, between core 82 and outerlayers 82/84, between wall panels 48 and struts 50/106, etc. Siliconesealant having well known fluid sealing and heat resistant propertiesmay be used.

In one example, the perimeter wall extends 12″ to 36″ above the ground26 to provide an adequate barrier without undue size constraints.

FIGS. 16-18 show a prefilter assembly 162 including a pair of prefilterstruts 164 on either lateral side of an exit grate panel 116. Theseprefilter struts 164 are formed similarly to the other strutspreviously, with a u-shaped channel 166 configured to receive an end ofa wall panel 48. In the example, the prefilter struts 164 comprise avertically extending outwardly angled portion 168 on the inner sidethereof. This angled surface extends from the barrier wall 48 to anouter grate panel 116 a so as to form a smooth transition of the barrierliner 24 from the barrier wall 48 to the inner surface 170 of aprefilter 172. The prefilter 172 comprising a screen, fibrous filter, orother composition pressed at the ends between the angled portions 168and the inner surface e of the grate panel 116. This arrangement holdingthe prefilter 172 in place.

The barrier wall 48 will generally not fully overlap the grate panel 116such that fluids may flow through the grate panel 116 to a filerassembly as previously described. The prefilter assembly 162 thusremoves most solid contaminates such as leaves, twigs, hail, plantmatter, etc. which may otherwise hinder effectiveness of the filter 44.

To protect the prefilter panel 172, an inner grate 116 b may be providedinward of the outer grate 116 a and prefilter panel 172. This innergrate 116 b protecting the prefilter panel 172.

In one example, the prefilter assembly 162 is configured with the innergrate 116 b and outer grate 116 a fitted to the prefilter struts 164 insuch a way that a gap 174 remains between the inner grate 116 b andouter grate 116 a. This gap in one example is 1/″±′/4″ to allow for easyinsertion and removal of the prefilter panel 172 for cleaning andreplacement. In one example, this may be accomplished by way of a spacer176.

In one example, the outer grate 116 a has a grate spacing of 1.5″±¼″while the inner grate 116 b has a grate spacing of 1.0″±¼″.

While the present invention is illustrated by description of severalembodiments and while the illustrative embodiments are described indetail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in anyway limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additionaladvantages and modifications within the scope of the appended claimswill readily appear to those sufficed in the art. The invention in itsbroader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details,representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shownand described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such detailswithout departing from the spirit or scope of applicants' generalconcept. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may bepracticed in the absence of any element which is not specificallydisclosed herein.

1. A surface containment wall support comprising: a water and oilimpermeable barrier liner resting on a ground surface; the barrier linerformed of a thin film configured to conform to the ground surface; aperimeter wall extending vertically above the ground surface; theperimeter wall vertically supporting a portion of the barrier liner; theperimeter wall forming a containment reservoir such that fluids leakingfrom a vessel positioned above the barrier liner are contained in thebarrier liner; the containment reservoir configured to be positionedbelow the vessel and horizontally substantially encircle the vessel; anda fluid conduit through the barrier liner having a filter thereinconfigured to allow passage of water and restrict passage ofcontaminates.
 2. The surface containment wall support system as recitedin claim 1, wherein the fluid conduit comprises a valve configured torestrict flow through the fluid conduit between the barrier liner and ahydrocarbon filter.
 3. The surface containment wall support system asrecited in claim 1 wherein the filter is a hydrocarbon solidifyingfilter.
 4. The surface containment wall support system as recited inclaim 1 wherein: the perimeter wall comprising a plurality of wallpanels; adjacent wall panels forming the reservoir connected by way ofstruts; and the struts comprising a vertical component connected to thewall panels each base component of each strut comprises a groundengaging cleat configured to penetrate the ground and maintain positionof the corner strut.
 5. The surface containment wall support system asrecited in claim 1 wherein: the perimeter wall comprises a plurality ofwall panels; adjacent wall panels forming the reservoir connected by wayof struts; and the struts comprising a vertical component connected tothe wall panels each base component of each strut comprises at least onesurface defining a void vertically therethrough; the surface defining avoid configured to allow passage of the shaft of a ground-engaginganchor and not allow passage of a head of the ground-engaging anchor. 6.The surface containment wall support system as recited in claim 1wherein: the perimeter wall comprises a plurality of wall panels;adjacent wall panels forming the reservoir connected by way of struts;and the struts comprising a vertical component connected to the wallpanels each wall panel comprises a first outer layer, second outerlayer, a core between the first outer layer and second outer layer; eachwall panel comprises a top flashing attached to an upper edge of thewall panel, the top flashing overlaying a top edge of the first outerlayer, the core, and the second outer layer, a portion of an outersurface of the first outer layer, and second outer layer.
 7. The surfacecontainment wall support system as recited in claim 6 wherein: each wallpanel comprises a bottom flashing attached to a lower edge of the wallpanel and overlaying a bottom edge of the first outer layer, core, andsecond outer layer, a portion of the outer surface of the first outerlayer and a portion of the outer surface second outer layer.
 8. Thesurface containment wall support system as recited in claim 1 furthercomprising a prefilter assembly positioned between the barrier liner andthe filter.
 9. The surface containment wall support system as recited inclaim 1; the fluid conduit configured to allow water to pass by way ofgravity from the reservoir through the barrier liner and through thefilter.
 10. The surface containment wall support system as recited inclaim 1, the struts comprising a base component resting on the groundsurface.